Credit Freeze?

[Michael G.]

Who has their credit frozen, and is it a good idea?

[metoo21]

Excellent idea. No one can pull a credit report so they can't open any charge accounts.

[Ecuadog]

We do and I think it's a good idea. Just remember that you have to unfreeze it temporarily if you want to apply for some credit.

[Bill14564]

We do and I think it's a good idea. Just remember that you have to unfreeze it temporarily if you want to apply for some credit.

In particular, when you want to purchase a new cell phone. This cost us some time as we looked up the unlock keys.

[Babubhat]

Credit karma alerts you when new account opened. Much less hassle

[rjm1cc]

Yes lock

[villagetinker]

Had a freeze for over 15 years, was only a problem when we went to buy a new car, no problems with phones.

[coralway]

nope - never. No reason to.

[Garywt]

Never heard of it so I would say never.

[Mleeja]

Yup. Just remember to unfreeze if you are making a purchase that requires a credit check. All it takes is one case of stolen identity…

[Topspinmo]

Yes frozen, I don’t buy on credit anymore, so no need for credit check.

[Topspinmo]

nope - never. No reason to.


Yet? :)

[Topspinmo]

Credit karma alerts you when new account opened. Much less hassle

Uuuu, account already opened? What I want to avoid. :ho:

[KsJayhawkers]

Absolutely!!! Great protection against identity theft!!

[metoo21]

Uuuu, account already opened? What I want to avoid. :ho:

^^^^^^^^^
Yep. Too late then!

[Sandy and Ed]

Had a freeze for over 15 years, was only a problem when we went to buy a new car, no problems with phones.
As usual, fellow PA member, Great advice. We have had ours frozen for over 20 years. Mostly pay cash or with existing credit card. Yeah you have to unfreeze if you want to buy major purchases (house, car, boat, etc) on credit but how often does that happen. Freeze your credit with all three credit bureau. You can open it up on an exclusive basis if need be

[thevillages2013]

Who has their credit frozen, and is it a good idea?

I’m sure it’s a great idea. Makes me think of people actually freezing their credit cards. You put your cards in a ziplock bag of water and freeze them that way you can’t make impulsive purchases with them.

[Sandy and Ed]

Uuuu, account already opened? What I want to avoid. :ho:
True. Horse has already left the corral

[36Aday]

It's a great idea. Also you can specify to unlock it for a specific time period.

[Uphillputt330]

We have ours frozen. It gives us piece of mind that no one can open up credit in our name. You do need to unfreeze when applying for a credit card, loan, or getting a new cell phone — so need to plan ahead. Well worth it.

[retiredguy123]

We have ours frozen. It gives us piece of mind that no one can open up credit in our name. You do need to unfreeze when applying for a credit card, loan, or getting a new cell phone — so need to plan ahead. Well worth it.
Can I assume that, if you pay cash for the cell phone, you don't need a credit check?

[rsmurano]

Have been doing this for years. It’s so easy for hackers to create a credit line with your info. I also use LifeLock for beth my wife and I to protect our identity. With LifeLock, they present 2 more freeze options to protect your identity which I also did. Have you looked on the dark web to see what’s out there in your name? You should, we go out there every so often to delete that info

[davephan]

You still need the credit check for the cellular service. A cellphone is worthless unless you also have cellphone service.

The credit freeze on the three credit bureaus is a good idea. It helps protect you from identity fraud in the future. If identity fraud has already occurred in the past, it will help protect against future identity fraud.

You need to make sure that you record the PIN numbers. Not all of the credit bureaus use PIN numbers now, but you still need to record your Username and Password. The best way to record your Usernames, Passwords, PINs, and other important information is by using a password manager that’s secure and in the cloud. If you record that information on scraps of random paper, or even in a notebook, that information is worthless if the notebook is a thousand miles away from you, or lost. It’s very risky to use the same username and password for everything, because if there’s any release of data, then all your accounts are vulnerable.

The freezing and thawing used to cost about $5 for each of the three credit bureaus, but now it is free. It is annoying when you have to unlock the credit when you switch cellular carriers, cable TV providers, or buy a major ticket item. It’s especially annoying when those organizations don’t know which of the three credit bureaus that they use, so you have to unfreeze and freeze all three. But the credit freeze is an important protection against being a victim of identity fraud.

You can learn more about the credit freeze by searching for Clark Howard Credit Freeze. Clark Howard does a syndicated radio talk show for about 30 years, and he strongly promotes doing the credit freeze on his radio talk show.

The vast majority of people don’t lock their credit, and are vulnerable to identity theft. It’s also shocking how many people use the same usernames and passwords for everything! The only smart way around that problem is to use a secure cloud based password manager system, with two factor log in.

[toeser]

Who has their credit frozen, and is it a good idea?

Me and Yes.

[toeser]

You still need the credit check for the cellular service. A cellphone is worthless unless you also have cellphone service.

The credit freeze on the three credit bureaus is a good idea. It helps protect you from identity fraud in the future. If identity fraud has already occurred in the past, it will help protect against future identity fraud.

You need to make sure that you record the PIN numbers. Not all of the credit bureaus use PIN numbers now, but you still need to record your Username and Password. The best way to record your Usernames, Passwords, PINs, and other important information is by using a password manager that’s secure and in the cloud. If you record that information on scraps of random paper, or even in a notebook, that information is worthless if the notebook is a thousand miles away from you, or lost. It’s very risky to use the same username and password for everything, because if there’s any release of data, then all your accounts are vulnerable.

The freezing and thawing used to cost about $5 for each of the three credit bureaus, but now it is free. It is annoying when you have to unlock the credit when you switch cellular carriers, cable TV providers, or buy a major ticket item. It’s especially annoying when those organizations don’t know which of the three credit bureaus that they use, so you have to unfreeze and freeze all three. But the credit freeze is an important protection against being a victim of identity fraud.

You can learn more about the credit freeze by searching for Clark Howard Credit Freeze. Clark Howard does a syndicated radio talk show for about 30 years, and he strongly promotes doing the credit freeze on his radio talk show.

The vast majority of people don’t lock their credit, and are vulnerable to identity theft. It’s also shocking how many people use the same usernames and passwords for everything! The only smart way around that problem is to use a secure cloud based password manager system, with two factor log in.


"It is annoying when you have to unlock the credit when you switch cellular carriers, cable TV providers, or buy a major ticket item."

My credit has been frozen for many years and I have not had to do any of that, except for a change of cell service.

[AlanC]

Who has their credit frozen, and is it a good idea?

Frozen but sometimes it’s a process to unfreeze.

[NoMoSno]

Yes. After the Equifax 2017 breach 147 million accounts were hacked.
equifax breach 2017 - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=equifax+breach+2017)
Chinese Hackers Charged in Equifax Breach — FBI (https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/chinese-hackers-charged-in-equifax-breach-021020)

[merrymini]

Great idea. Have you ever read the experiences of someone who has had their identity stolen? Unfreeze is no big deal. Many times you have a soft credit check not a hard check so so need to unfreeze.

[bilcon]

Never heard of it so I would say never.

Wait until someone uses your name and social to open a new telephone account with four phone lines and three cell phones in your name. That's what happened to me several years ago. Never again. Thankfully, the credit card company called me and we stopped it. When I called the mobile phone company responsible and inquired why they didn't ask for ID from the new subscriber, they said the transaction was done by phone. Ever since, I have locked my credit report and never had another problem. With Equifax, all you do is go online and check unlock report. Very easy.

[Michael G.]

So when I unlock my credit with either of the three credit company's
it doesn't effect my credit rating.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I just keep my credit limit really low on my credit card. They used to keep raising it "Congratulations! You've earned..." and I finally called them and told them to stop touching my credit limit, it was low because I wanted to keep it that way.

So basically - I'm "under the radar." We have very few "investment" assets that ping our credit rating at all, we don't have a mortgage or any outstanding loans that we're paying on. So we basically fly under the "scammer radar." They're not interested in us, because they know we don't have enough credit to cover their scams. They'd probably be turned down if they tried to get a new credit card in our name.

[airstreamingypsy]

Mine has been frozen for about 4 years, ever since a credit card got compromised. I've never regretted freezing them, and sleep better knowing no one is buying houses and cars in my name. There is no reason not to do it.

[LynnWM158]

I have mine frozen and, yes it does help prevent someone from opening a credit card or making an unauthorized purchase in my name

[sloanst]

We've had ours locked for 8 years. When we went to buy a car they said we would need to unlock our credit, even though we were paying cash. 😂
I was amazed how quickly the sales manager stated "We can work something out" as we began to leave. 🤣🤣🤣

[Dilligas]

Who has their credit frozen, and is it a good idea?
Yes....we froze all 3 when we had an identity theft hit us. If you need to buy something on credit, just find out when the creditor is doing the check and you can unlock at one they are using for a day or two, then relock. Also you should freeze your social security account.

[Westie Man]

... at least one bureau will describe your acct as unlocked even if it is frozen, Frozen is better than locked.:ohdear:

[rothbear]

We have had ours locked for about 10 years. Locked them when the SC Dept of Treasury was hacked when we lived there and kept it that way. I have been asked 3 times since to unlock it and I always ask them which credit bureau and when. When they give me the credit bureau I tell them I will unlock it for 1 day max and they have that time to get what they needed done. Car loan did it while I was waiting, unlocked from my phone, 5 minutes and I locked it back up right from my phone. When I wanted to change Chase Visa cards they wanted it unlocked (go figure...I already had a card with them that I always paid in full) I did that with a woman over the phone....again about 5 minutes. Third time when we needed to open checking accounts with a new bank. Same scenario. Tried to get a Capital One card once and they wanted all 3 opened for a week....told them nope and pulled the application. Now I get "pre-approved" applications from them at least once a week....go figure on that one, too.

[Michael G.]

Have you looked on the dark web to see what’s out there in your name? You should, we go out there every so often to delete that info

How do you delete information once on the dark web??

[larcha]

Freezing your credit report with at least the three major credit agencies is the primary step companies like LifeLock take to protect your credit. It is easy to do and free. If you ever need to unfreeze your report each agency can unfreeze it for a limited period of time.

[bob47]

Is it easy and quick to unlock it temporarily?

Also, I understand if you lock it with one of the agencies, it gets locked at all of them. Is this true, and if it is, do you have to unlock it at all of them for a credit check?

[daniel200]

Definitely a good idea. I was informed by Equfax and TMobile that my records were exposed by their poor security. I was also informed by my credit card issuer that my social security number was found on the dark web

So I have a credit freeze in place with the 4 largest credit reporting agencies. In theory, this should prevent someone from taking out a loan or opening a bank account in my name

Note: There are more than 20 different credit reporting agencies … So freezing the top 4 does not stop the other 16 …. But the other 16 are much less used and more specialized

Florida is a state that allows your credit score to impact your car insurance rates. If you are shopping for car insurance it is a good idea to unfreeze your credit at the big 3 (equifax, transunion, experian) during the process.

[daniel200]

Is it easy and quick to unlock it temporarily?

Also, I understand if you lock it with one of the agencies, it gets locked at all of them. Is this true, and if it is, do you have to unlock it at all of them for a credit check?

You need to lock/unlock each agency separately. I have found the process to temporarily unlock easy by using the phone automated system. But have had many rejections when trying to use their web interface to unfreeze of one of the companies (i don’t remember which one.

[daniel200]

I just keep my credit limit really low on my credit card. They used to keep raising it "Congratulations! You've earned..." and I finally called them and told them to stop touching my credit limit, it was low because I wanted to keep it that way.

So basically - I'm "under the radar." We have very few "investment" assets that ping our credit rating at all, we don't have a mortgage or any outstanding loans that we're paying on. So we basically fly under the "scammer radar." They're not interested in us, because they know we don't have enough credit to cover their scams. They'd probably be turned down if they tried to get a new credit card in our name.

You maybe under the radar, but you are still susceptible, to loan, mortgage and bank fraud. A common fraud is for someone to use your name & social security number to open a bank account in your name using your credit rating. They then are able to take out loans, get credit, or credit cards in your name. They then runoff with the goods and you are stuck with the loans and credit card debt. This is a very common kind of ID theft fraud and has nothing to do with your current credit limits or cards.

[Guitarman1951]

Some years ago, someone opened a credit card in my name at Target and bought $5k in products. I never knew it until I got a bill from Target. After fighting with Target, filing reports with FTC and BBB, I finally froze my credit so no more cards could be opened in my name. I only wish it could be permanent.

[mrkorn12@aol.com]

Freeze your Credit with all 4 Credit Reporting agencies. The fourth is Innovis. I believe all 4 are still free. Most U.S. consumer credit information is collected and kept by the four national traditional consumer reporting agencies: Experian (formerly TRW Information Systems & Services and the CCN Group), Equifax, TransUnion, and Innovis (which was purchased from First Data Corporation in 1999 by CBC Companies).

[MidWestIA]

ONLY thing you can do to not get hacked BUT you cannot buy anything that has a credit check until you unfreeze online for a few days

And request a pin from IRS so somebody can't try and file your taxes

[SKAKLAK]

Who has their credit frozen, and is it a good idea?

I worked for someone that had their identity stolen. He left shortly thereafter, on an INTERNATIONAL months vacation! I was stuck cleaning up the MESS left by those that had stolen his accounts through Paypal. NEVER EVER AGAIN.
I had locked my personal credit bureau accounts years ago and based on what I had to do for him, I’ve always been glad I did.
Just “unlock” your accounts (with a simple recorded phone call) for a few days when you know you are going to make that next big purchase.
I applied for a Kohls charge once at the register and was declined. I was insulted as I knew I had the highest possible rating. I realized a few days later when I received the Kohl’s letter that my credit card account was locked. Lol. LOCK IT, YOU’LL NEVER BE SORRY

[PaulinTV]

Who has their credit frozen, and is it a good idea?

I had mine frozen for a long time then with all the retirement, moving, purchasing new homes opened it and forgot to freeze after the dealings were done. When I received 10 bank statements in the mail from an Arkansas bank I never opened I refroze them.

[PJackpot]

Who has their credit frozen, and is it a good idea?

I agree with the others. I have all three frozen, but you can freeze or unfreeze them on line. You can also set up temporary unfreezes on line for whatever time frame you need. Keep the crooks at bay.

[Michael G.]

You can also set up temporary unfreezes on line for whatever time frame you need. Keep the crooks at bay.

Yes, always request a time line for a freeze, unfreeze, then refreeze again, that way it will be frozen without you manually doing so.

[Luggage]

No because usually. U open a service plan also

Can I assume that, if you pay cash for the cell phone, you don't need a credit check?

[dsgreen3]

It is a good way to protect yourself and it only costs the time to visit the three credit reporting agency sites. When applying for a loan explain to the finance person that you will un freeze your reports for one day so they can ask for credit information.

[juddfl]

Yes, credit karma lets you know an account has been opened in your name. Then the person giving them the credit is out the money from whatever they bought.
Freezing your credit prevents anyone, even you, from ever being able to open an account in your name. It has to be unlocked to open your credit history in order to buy a car, home or open a charge account.

[villagerfrog]

Who has their credit frozen, and is it a good idea?

Michael, besides the credit freezes on the "4" sites as mentioned,
I also obtained a AAA Mastercard (no annual fee) which comes with ID theft protection as an added benefit. You load selected personal information and the service searches the DARK web to see if any of this information is available for sale and alerts you if something is found. We've loaded not only our 2 email addresses (but our kids also), passport numbers, driver's license, checking account #, phone numbers, medical ID #, and much more. Amazingly, it's the kids of whom I get alerts that they have a website account / password exposed.
I also have a subscription to Norton 360 antivirus and that comes with ID monitoring. It's not as full featured as the AAA M/C. It also comes with Privacy Monitor and tells you how much of YOU is out in the internet such as your age, name, addresses (both current and past), telephone numbers and on and on. You can elect to subscribe to their service to trying to delete yourself from the internet. I have elected not to do that.

Michael, I also recommend turning on 2-factor authentication for your accounts. When you first log in, it will send a code to your phone. After that, it saves a cookie and you don't have to do it again unless you clear your cache. It's never happened to me yet, but I'd freak out if Chase sent a verification code to my phone. I'd then know that something may be amiss.

As for the Credit freeze, it's not as big of pain as you may think. I may unfreeze my credit reports once every 18 months for something.

Best of luck for you.

[Michael G.]

Michael, besides the credit freezes on the "4" sites as mentioned,
I also obtained a AAA Mastercard (no annual fee) which comes with ID theft protection as an added benefit. You load selected personal information and the service searches the DARK web to see if any of this information is available for sale and alerts you if something is found. We've loaded not only our 2 email addresses (but our kids also), passport numbers, driver's license, checking account #, phone numbers, medical ID #, and much more. Amazingly, it's the kids of whom I get alerts that they have a website account / password exposed.
I also have a subscription to Norton 360 antivirus and that comes with ID monitoring. It's not as full featured as the AAA M/C. It also comes with Privacy Monitor and tells you how much of YOU is out in the internet such as your age, name, addresses (both current and past), telephone numbers and on and on. You can elect to subscribe to their service to trying to delete yourself from the internet. I have elected not to do that.

Michael, I also recommend turning on 2-factor authentication for your accounts. When you first log in, it will send a code to your phone. After that, it saves a cookie and you don't have to do it again unless you clear your cache. It's never happened to me yet, but I'd freak out if Chase sent a verification code to my phone. I'd then know that something may be amiss.

As for the Credit freeze, it's not as big of pain as you may think. I may unfreeze my credit reports once every 18 months for something.

Best of luck for you.

Thanks for recommendations.
With all the personal information we create on the web, this is very useful.

[Ashimp]

I worked for the Government, and my personal information was hacked at least 3 times - information they need to steal my identity. Freezing my credit was the only sure protection against the latter, no one (including me) could take out a credit card, buy a car, etc using my identity. Only I have the PIN codes to unfreeze the accounts.

[Northerner52]

I did because last year I got a call from a Credit Union In CA that said they think my identity was stolen. Someone had applied to them for a loan with my SS and info. So they ran a credit check on me and noticed 2 other credit inquiries on me. Six credit unions had recent loan applications on me. I contacted them all and send letters to them. I found the six on a credit report. I froze my credit on the 3 sites and signed up for two credit monitoring services. All of the fraudulent applications used an old address of mine with a miss spelled last name. I did a change of address on that address and did receive some forwarding mail. Thought it was interesting the applied to credit unions.- must have more success there. I have since unfroze one due to applying for a car loan. Have not refroze but will soon.